Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
SKC claim fourth Open Cup
Sporting KC fulfilled their "Paint the Wall" goal on Wednesday night by winning the 2017 U.S. Open Cup with a 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls at Children's Mercy Park. Latif Blessing put them ahead in the first half, and his injury replacement Daniel Salloi cemented their lead midway through the second. RECAP
In our US Open Cup final player ratings, Blessing's fully rounded 43-minute outing was long enough to earn top marks. READ MORE
The victors used a different method of reaching the winners' podium this year, compelling Steve Brisendine to take it as a sign that cup glory is in the DNA of Sporting KC. READ MORE
Impact get well on enemy turf
The Montreal Impact renewed sagging playoff hopes with a big 5-3 win away to arch nemesis Toronto FC. Ignacio Piatti and Anthony Jackson-Hamel each broke out of a mini-goal slump with a brace. RECAP
Though annoyed by all the mistakes that gave them too big a comeback hill to climb on Wednesday, Greg Vanney and his Toronto FC charges are constructively taking the derby loss as a wake-up call ahead of the postseason. READ MORE
Atlanta enjoy a midweek stroll
Atlanta United took their four-game Mercedes-Benz goal total to 17 with a 4-0 rout of the LA Galaxy. Yamil Asad was the star of Wednesday's show, notching two goals and two assists. RECAP
Calen Carr and The Movement recently stopped in Atlanta, where the club and the city's fans are creating their own unique soccer culture from scratch. WATCH VIDEO
The wild, wild West
The Western Conference title fight has turned into a tense home stretch battle royale, with four teams separated by a single point. As such, Ben Couch has offered up a handicapping guide for each of the contender's remaining schedules. READ MORE
Four vie for Rapids coaching vacancy
Sam Stejskal reports that Colorado are aiming to complete their coaching search by the start of November. The Rapids have spoken to four candidates from different backgrounds, including Columbus Crew SC assistant Josh Wolff. READ MORE
Exports: Pulisic, Diskerud ring the bell
Borussia Dortmund wunderkind Christian Pulisic chalked up his third goal of the young campaign with an outstanding capper in Wednesday's 3-0 Bundesliga victory at Hamburg. WATCH VIDEO
Over in Sweden, Mix Diskerud bagged his fourth goal of the season to temporarily level matters in IFK Göteborg's 2-1 defeat at Hammarby. WATCH VIDEO
Timbers grant young 'keeper's wish
In conjunction with Make-A-Wish Oregon, the Portland Timbers have made a dream come true by signing local youngster Derrick Tellez to a one-game contract. The five-year-old netminder, who is fighting a cancerous brain tumor, will be able to take part in special training and game-day activities with the team this week. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch:
ExtraTime Live: U.S. Open CupBreaking down the U.S. Open Cup
Posted by ExtraTime Live on Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Extra Time Live: US Open Cup analysis & post-game interviews
